The rest of the day went without a glitch, and I was more than thankful to the heavens for it. I was staring at my phone as I drove back to my apartment. A wave of annoyance built up in my gut when I saw no missed calls or texts from Dave.
What's he been up to that he could not even drop a "Hello or hi." Text.
"What are you up to?" I sent him. I waited one minute, two minutes, no reply.
"Will you be available for lunch?" I sent another. For the entire drive until I arrived home, there was still no reply from him.
Maybe he is busy, or his phone died again. Hitting the shower, I changed into a comfortable nightgown, ready to have a long night sleep.
Those thoughts flew off the ceiling when my phone began flooding with phone calls. "What in heaven's name is happening…"
"Stay in your apartment, and don't go anywhere tonight. And also, please don't comment on anything." With those instructions, he cut the call.
What the hell was that? Clicking on the first notification that pops up on my screen… This must be a blogger chasing clout. I kept on clicking and clicking on different articles from different websites. My hands were trembling, with my phone landing with a bang on the floor. This isn't real; this can't be real.
How? When?
Picking up my phone, I quickly dial Dave's number…but it is sent to voicemail. I try again and again, but I keep getting sent to voicemail. Throwing the phone away, it landed with a thud at some corner; I don't know.
I need to see him; I need him to tell me to my face that this is all a lie. That they are just bluffing. That he loves me.
He needs to say it all to my face.
Grabbing my car keys, I dash out of the apartment to my car. Praying and pushing out all weird thoughts, I headed for the carriage where my car was parked.
"Miss Smith, is the need true? Were you forcing yourself on Mr. Clinton for resources?"
"Miss Smith, what do you think about Mr. Clinton coming out about your affair?"
Bright lights assorted my face. I could barely see as microphones bombarded my face.
"Are that shameless to go after another woman's man? What kind of parents trained you?"
"It's all false, all of it is false, okay?" I screamed, my head hurting, my heart hurting more.
It's all false… Dave can never do such a thing to me. He loves me. He also said that this morning—or he didn't.
My legs gave way, and I stumbled to the floor. What's all this?
"Please leave here; she's not answering any questions."
I could vaguely hear Collins voice over the crowd. And is someone pulling me? Was it the reporter? Was it Collin? I don't know.
"I told you to stay in your apartment."
"It's not true, right? They are all making things up. This would blow out in a day or two, right?" Grabbing his arms tightly, I looked up at him for assurance.
"Let's get you inside first."
My heart sank. He did not reassure me. His voice is down.
Collin is always certain; he always knows what to do.
Pulling the door to my apartment, he dragged me up to my bedroom and tucked me in like a child.
"Sleep Kira." He whispered, "You'll need all the strength to fight this."
Closing my eyes, I forced myself to sleep. Maybe if I wake up, it will just be a dream. A very awful nightmare.
~~~
"You're up?" I was met by a haggard-looking Collin the moment I opened my eyes.
I wish I would be given a moment of oblivion. To think last night was a nightmare, but with Collin in my apartment and the way he looked at me. I knew it was all real.
"You can cry if you'd like to." He said, pity clouding his face.
"What are the damages, and is there any statement from Dave's side?" Saying his name felt bitter in my mouth.
"Yes, they're saying that you and Mr. Clinton only have business relations and nothing intimate."
I swallowed hard. "And the company?"
"A press conference has been arranged for this morning. Here's the written speech."
Taking the tablet from him, I read through the entire statement brought up by the company. With this, the company is left unscratched, but what about my heart? What about my feelings or my career?
I had worked my bones to get to where I was today. With no influential background to support me.
What about the three years of love, time, and everything? Would saying there was nothing going on between us change the fact that we were planning a wedding?
I should have known. Sarah never bluffs.
I spent the rest of the morning going through the company written statement. Collin tried talking to them to see if they could alter something to at least salvage my career. But they didn't budge. After the press conference, I'm to pack my things and head to the suburbs to begin filming.
The contract I had signed was actually for a low-budget production. Ironic, right? I was the only one being kept in the dark… or I wasn't; that I did not know.
"Go to hell, bitch!" Something hard landed on my forehead the moment I stepped out of the minivan
"Chester!! Slut…faking to be a goddess on TV while you steal other people's men."
More and more stuff kept getting thrown at me. Despite Collin using his body as a shield, I still got soaked in egg and flour. Fans were gathered outside the company, and there was no way of getting in. "Where the hell is security?" Collin hissed, helping me back into the van.
"Are you okay?" I stared in pity at Collin.
"You should worry about yourself." He glared at me.
"You know, you don't have to be here." I pointed out. Despite being my manager, he could just drop me as his artist now and save his career.
But him being here with me would only make things harder for him as well.
" Stop talking shit." His glare getting stronger, he picked up his phone and began screaming at whomever he called.
Something about security not being on standby, knowing quite well I would be coming to the company.
"Get a change of clothes ready ASAP." And he ended the call; his face was beet red, probably from anger or exhaustion.
At that moment, another car parked beside the van. Dav came out of the driver seat. I watched as he tidied his suit, then moved to the passenger side and opened the door. Sarah exited the other side.